Eric Dane (2015)

Eric Dane is an American actor. After appearing in television roles throughout the 2000s, he became known for playing Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, as well as films, co-starring in Marley & Me, Valentine's Day, and Burlesque. He currently stars as Commander Tom Chandler in the apocalyptic drama The Last Ship.

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Edit: Hey, this has been a blast. Thank you for the questions. Thank you for the time. Thank you for the support in watching The Last Ship. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I enjoy making.

Eric Dane Jun 15, 2015

What was it like playing Bradley Cooper's boyfriend?

Frajer

Oh, Valentine's Day? He's a great kisser. But you'll have to see the deleted scenes for that.

Eric Dane

You were awesome in Troy. Would you ever consider doing another sword and sandal movie like that? Also, you were totally the best Hulk.

Igotthewrongguy

Yes, I was excellent in Troy. Although I wasn't in the film, I like to think I would have been excellent in Troy.

And who's the Hulk?

Eric Dane

If you had to describe oen difference between THE LAST SHIP and GREY'S ANATOMY, what would it be other than that GREY'S is also obviously also an apocalyptic action-adventure drama?

TomCollinsEsq

I don't wear pajamas to work anymore.

Eric Dane

Who is the person you miss the most from the cast of Greys?

dannicronin

I congratulated Patrick on his finish at Le Mans.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric! The Last Ship is one of my favorite shows and I just bought the S1 Blu Ray even though I saw every episode last summer. Your performance is a great mix of calm yet subtle strength.

I'm greedy and have 3 questions:

What are the show's sets like? I imagine you don't film on a warship everyday. Are there indoors sets?

How does XO Mike or Adam Baldwin feel about being outranked by a much younger captain?

Will we ever see your onscreen wife (Tracy Middendorf) again, maybe in flashbacks? I think she's the most beautiful woman ever since I saw her in Angel!

Can't wait for Sunday!

sledgehammer44

1.) Yes. The sets are enormous, and beautifully crafted. They are meticulous in their detail. And while we do plenty of shooting on real destroyers, I don't think anyone in the audience can tell the difference between the set and the real ship.

2.) I would ask XO Baldwin how he feels being outranked by a shorter captain.

3.) She's great. She died.

Eric Dane

Hey Eric,
How physically demanding was it to be soaked for 99% of Open Water?
Also, do you feel a little vindicated knowing that they’re now killing off all the “Mc’s” off of Grey’s Anatomy? You’re awesome?

Moonburner

What? I can't hear you, I have to get the water out of my ears!

I feel McNothing.

Eric Dane

Hey, Eric! Do you have any funny stories from shooting Grey’s Anatomy? Also, what's a question you wish you were asked more often? Thanks!

lmi6

Well, the question I wish people would ask me is "How's The Last Ship going?"

Eric Dane

Hi, Eric. Thank you for being here. I love The Last Ship, especially your character. I'm curious. How did you physically prepare for the role of Captain Chandler?

RowanGreene

I put on a uniform. Stood at the helm of a guided missile destroyer. Asked somebody for a cup of coffee. Moments later, one appeared. And I thought to myself Yes, I am the captain.

Eric Dane

Hey Eric! It's a small world, and through some bizarro 6 degrees of separation, I've heard some cool stories about you and you're general awesomeness and dedication to your family!! Anyway, what keeps you motivated? Thanks and Rock On!!

BlueSquirl

Supporting my family, and making sure that my kids get a great education.

Six degrees, though, that's pretty deep.

Eric Dane

Im so excited for season 2 of the last ship. I was so afraid it wouldn't pick up for another season. Well done! How excited are you on playing Chandler?

bellegaudreau1

BEYOND. This is the best role I've ever had. I love this guy. I love this team. I love this show.

The second season is a lot bigger. There's 3 more episodes - it's 13 episodes this season - the antagonists are greater, the scope of the project is bigger, the writers have found their groove, the other actors have found a real rhythm, the characters are developing nicely and organically. And there's a lot of comfort in the work. And I think that translates into an effortless viewing experience.

Eric Dane

How's THE LAST SHIP going?

TomCollinsEsq

Right now... it's headed South, South-East.

smiles

Come Sunday, we'll have made a full turn to due North.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric! Did you know when shooting that steamy scene in the bathroom that everyone will be calling you McSteamy from then on in the show?

And if you were in charge of the nicknames, what 'Mc' would you have chosen?

herrdunphy

I was referred to as "McSteamy" in season 2. The steam had already existed when I shot that, when I walked out of the bathroom.

Eric Dane

Have you read the book that the last ship is based off of?

bellegaudreau1

No!

Eric Dane

I love Last Ship - What's it like when you get to film on the real ships? How much of this season will be on land?

diegox5

I would say half and half. And it's great filming on a naval destroyer. I highly recommend filming on a naval destroyer. If you ever get an opportunity to film on a naval destroyer, I recommend doing so.

Eric Dane

ERIC, how does it feel to be a real man?

WeFuckBitches

Thank you.

Eric Dane

You are the Mcsteamy, but who is your McSteamy? (aka. man crush)? 😂

SammyRandom

That's a good question.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric! How r u today?

Bellegaudreau1997

I am...doing really well today.

Today was a great day.

I've been doing a lot of press for The Last Ship. And I'm happy somebody finally decided to ask me a question.

Eric Dane

What was it like working on The X-Men?

robinsky1

I played Multiple Man. It was fun!

Eric Dane

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

shepherdsgreys

To have the power to travel through space and time.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric!! Huge fan from Greece... Great to see you here.. I love your appealing style and the fact you are always in shape. Can you give me some tips in order to achieve these two things?? Thank you.

nikosloca3

Well, first go to the gym, and then go to Rag & Bone.

Eric Dane

What was the scene you found the hardest to shoot on Grey's Anatomy?

elainebenes4ever

Lexie's death. Because it was 35 degrees, and I was rolling around in the mud, trying to stay focused on somebody who was just a little bit colder than I was, and crushed by the fuselage of a jet airplane.

Eric Dane

How are you enjoying being on Twitter since joining about a year ago?
Is filming an action based show more fun then filming a drama?

courtneydiller

I am enjoying Twitter a lot. It's a great way to interact with people. It's a great way to reach a lot of people all at once. Support causes you care about.

Does telling your wife you love her on Twitter qualify as a PDA?

Eric Dane

What's the best thing about playing Tom chandler in the last ship? 😊

ToqaSharaf

I get saluted.

Eric Dane

Ha, ha. Thank you for the response. You do an amazing job being The Captain. Can't wait for season 2. I'm addicted to TLS! How does Captain Chandler take his coffee?

RowanGreene

Black.

Just black.

Eric Dane

Actually, it's more like 4 degrees, my bff knows someone who knows you! Thanks for the answer and doing the AMA!

BlueSquirl

Tell your best friend's friend friend that I said hello.

Eric Dane

Thanks for responding! How is The Last Ship going?

lmi6

The Last Ship is going great. Season 2 is obviously in the can, as we premiere a 2 hour special on Sunday. And soon enough, you'll get to decide for yourself.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric,

Thank you for doing this AMA. As a long-time Grey's viewer, I have missed seeing you on the show! I am glad that you're back on TV with The Last Ship (I can't wait for Season 2!!). My questions are:

Are you caught up with Grey's and what are your thoughts regarding McDreamy's last appearance? I don't want to give away any big spoilers!

whoops my bad.

bmkat21

I have to pee.

No, really.

I have to pee. Be back in a second.

What submarine?

Eric Dane

Would you consider being in a Marvel or DC comics film, other than X-Men?

bellegaudreau1

Absolutely.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric I'm just wondering if your character in the show "The Last Ship" is going to have some more one on one moments with Tex Nolan? I must say the banter back and forth from the both of you in the later episodes was Amazing. So can I expect that in Season Two if you know and thanks.

baehr521

Of course. I love me some Tex.

Eric Dane

Has your role Tom Chandler in The Last Ship been bigger role since you played Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy?

bellegaudreau1

They're apples and oranges.

Eric Dane

Hey Eric! If you had to pick any other career beside acting, what would you pick and why?

bellegaudreau1

Can I say "you're welcome" for the autographed picture I sent you two weeks ago?

Eric Dane

Would you like to come to Mexico again?

Karevsyndrome

I'm going in July!

Eric Dane

Im excited to ask you a question via webcam at huffington post tomorrow. Are you as excited as I am?

bellegaudreau1

I guess that'll depend on the question you ask me. We'll find out tomorrow.

Eric Dane

Who doesn't hate those ridiculous buttons? Honestly. They are the worst...

How do you juggle acting and fatherhood?

beernerd

I can't juggle. I just do 'em both at the same time.

Eric Dane

Oh good, least I'm not the only one!

Whens season 2 airing in the UK?

SammyRandom

I don't know!

That's a good question. Cheers.

Eric Dane

At any point of filming, have you yet said the phrase "I'm da captain now"?

The wife and I love the show! Keep up the good work!

soupnrc

I have said "I'm still the captain of this ship!"

And thank you.

Eric Dane

Hey Eric! Why do you hate the little buttons on the cuffs of your dress shirt?

vanessaboggess

I can't get my fingers to button those little suckers. I prefer cufflinks.

Eric Dane

Hey! How are you? I have a very important question, will you be shirtless more in S2 of TLS? You know, for science & chemistry.

h3yashl3y

I'm actually shirtless right now. In honor of this AMA.

Eric Dane

Nice! Any plans for Father's Day?

beernerd

You'll have to ask my wife.

Eric Dane

Hi Eric huge fan from Saudi Arabia 😊 💕 what do you miss more In Grey's? And we love your show the last ship 💙

ToqaSharaf

I miss the people I worked with. And I love the people I work with now.

Eric Dane

How do you take your coffee?

Nitroserum

Black.

Little sugar.

Little cream.

Eric Dane

Eric Dane, What's it like to play a captain in The Last Ship knowing that your dad was in the navy?

vanessaboggess

It's an honor.

It's like playing Indiana Jones, if your dad's an archeologist.

Eric Dane

who is the funniest on the set of the last ship? I love funny :)

bellegaudreau1

The funniest is... I think Kevin, who plays Miller. For sure.

He's got a very dry, self-depreciating sense of humor.

Eric Dane

Do you know what "Papasote" means?

Karevsyndrome

I do now!

Thanks Google!

Eric Dane

Not at all! It qualifies you as husband of the year (for all eternity).

RowanGreene

What can I say? I dig my wife!

Eric Dane

AMA in Italian means "Loves".
Hi Eric! Do you think that italian fans can meet you here in Rome?
I have another question: without Lexie, who's falling in love with Mark Sloan, in your opinion?

Giuss

When I'm in Rome, you can all come meet me.

Possibly a ghost?

Eric Dane

Haha. You should do a comedic role. Seriously get on it

TurnMeOnline420

I'll put that on my bucket list.

Eric Dane

if i drew a sketch of you, if its so good, would you like it?
Do you have a favorite picture of yourself or should I just pick a random picture?

bellegaudreau1

I wouldn't "like" a good sketch of myself. Because how would that make the people feel who present all the bad sketches of myself? It's like if a tree falls in a forest, and no one can create a good sketch of you...

Eric Dane

great ! Here many people have watched and loved the first season ! I'm coming to the West coast next month, will you be filming ?

Yuri1704

We don't start up season 3 (if there is a season 3) until October.

Eric Dane

What other career would you have loved to pursue in your life? And do you think you would have been any good at it? :)

courtiebabe420

You know, to be honest, I think you can be good at whatever you set your mind to. It's about how much you're willing to sacrifice.

How obsessed you can be with your goals, and how hard you work at it.

Eric Dane

What was the funnest part of playing Mark Sloan?

bellegaudreau1

*"Most fun."

Eric Dane

Hey Eric! I just wanted to say you are a great father, actor, and singer. Happy Early Father's Day! In The Last Ship do you film all over the world or just in one general location?

thecutedog

We film all over California. All over Los Angeles.

Eric Dane

Do you have a dream role--a character you've always wanted to play--and if so, what is it? Do you write at all?

RowanGreene

The dream role for me is the role I'm currently playing. And that will be true of the next role I get.

I write my own tweets.

Eric Dane

Is filming on location more of a challenge, than, say in the studio? For example, when my brother served in the Navy, and I would visit him, I would trip over the hatch frames, or when going up stairs/ladders. I am also a klutz, but still.

BlueSquirl

I just hate being away from my wife and kids. So I'd rather film close to home.

Eric Dane

Two more! I'm greedy bastard. Do you have a dog tag for Captain Chandler? & will you be my best pal? We can rule the world with our sass.

h3yashl3y

No. And one does not rule alongside anyone else.

Eric Dane

If Mark survived...?
So, come in Italy right now! :) You're great!
And do you prefer Tom Chandler, Mark Sloan or Jason Dean?

Giuss

Tom Chandler.

Eric Dane

I'd like to see you as a detective--you'd make a great law & order man. Those are some excellent tweets. Thanks again for being here and answering our questions!

RowanGreene

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say that.

Eric Dane

Favorite quote?

shepherdsgreys

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T.S. Eliot

Eric Dane

The last ship is really great ! Is it as fun to film as it is to watch ?

Yuri1704

I think it may be more fun filming this show, for me. But I do enjoy watching it.

Eric Dane

Do you know what 'estas bien bueno' means?

Karevsyndrome

I do now, thanks to UrbanDictionary.com!

Eric Dane

Hey Eric! How many languages do you know and which ones? I only know English.

thecutedog

I know a little Spanish (and I've been learning more during this AMA).

And I'm pretty good with English.

Eric Dane

I've just watched the whole first season of The Last Ship today! (Boxset had just come on UK tv.) And i was literally blown away by the ending, you were incredible!! Have you ever binged watched tv like that???

SammyRandom

I binge-watched the first season of SONS OF ANARCHY. And then I thought if I keep doing this, I won't get anything else done!

Eric Dane

i mustve not paid any attention to notice eric in the movie because I've seen that film so many times and its been a while since I've last seen it and why didn't i notice him?

bellegaudreau1

There was 100 of me! How could you have missed me?!

Eric Dane

Hi Eric! Love your acting in The Last Ship! It really brings to life your character! A few questions:

How are you and your family?

How was the transiton between playing Mark Sloan and Thomas Chandler? Did you do anything different to prepare for that role?

What made you decide to get this role?

Does the TV bring any justice to how U.S.N. is in real life?

Thank you so much!
Hope you have a nice AMA and can't wait to see you on June 21!

linkraine

1.) They're terrific. Thank you for asking.

2.) I woke up a little earlier for this one.

3.) When they decided to offer me this role.

4.) I'd like to think it does. I'd like to think that we treat the lives of these men and women, and give them the same amount of respect that they clearly possess themselves. I'd like to think that we do it accurately, and sincerely. I'd like to think the Navy is proud of our portrayal. And they're a wildly spectacular group of men and women who we hope we're honoring by putting forth the effort we do to make this show as great as it is.